Google Pixel XL smartphone

Photo: Pc1878 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Google

Google Pixel XL

October 2016 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Google Pixel XL was Google's inaugural flagship smartphone, launched in 2016, marking the company's shift from the Nexus line to a fully Google-designed and marketed device. It offered a premium Android experience with a focus on camera performance and the then-new Google Assistant.
Display5.5-inch AMOLED, 1440p
ChipsetSnapdragon 821
Main Camera12.3 MP with f/2.0
Battery3450 mAh
Starting from $95

💰 Google Pixel XL Price

The Google Pixel XL lowest price is $95, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeAMOLED
Size5.5 inches
Resolution1440 x 2560 pixels (~534 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821
CPUQuad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 530

Memory

Internal32GB/128GB
RAM4GB
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Single12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3", 1.55µm, PDAF, Laser AF
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.4µm
FeaturesHDR
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired, PD2.0

Body

Dimensions154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight168 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, glass top back
SIMNano-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.0

Launch

Announced2016, October 04
StatusReleased 2016, October 20

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent camera with great low-light performance and HDR+
  • Clean, stock Android experience with fast updates
  • Smooth and responsive performance
  • Good battery life for its era
  • Retained 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

  • Dated design compared to newer phones
  • No expandable storage via microSD card
  • No official water resistance rating
  • Relatively high price at launch
  • Limited availability in some regions
★ Our Verdict

The Google Pixel XL was a top-tier smartphone at its release, offering a superb camera, pure Android, and strong performance, though its design and lack of expandable storage were minor drawbacks.

As a device from 2016, the Google Pixel XL is now a vintage smartphone. It's not recommended as a primary device due to outdated software support and potentially degraded battery health. However, it could serve as an excellent secondary device for enthusiasts who appreciate a clean Android experience, a capable camera for casual photography, or as a collector's item. Ensure any purchase of a used unit includes a thorough check of battery life and overall condition, as official support and parts may be scarce. Its value lies more in its historical significance and software purity than in modern-day utility.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Google Pixel XL smartphone
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick Switch Adapter (USB-A to USB-C)
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Power adapter

The Google Pixel XL came with a limited manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Google Pixel XL released?

The Google Pixel XL was officially announced on October 4, 2016, and released on October 20, 2016.

Does the Google Pixel XL have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Google Pixel XL features a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

What operating system did the Google Pixel XL launch with?

The Google Pixel XL launched with Android 7.1 Nougat and was upgradable to Android 10.

Is the Google Pixel XL still supported with software updates?

No, the Google Pixel XL received its final official security update in December 2019 and no longer receives major Android version updates.

Does the Google Pixel XL have expandable storage?

No, the Google Pixel XL does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage.

What was a key highlight of the Google Pixel XL's camera?

A key highlight of the Google Pixel XL's camera was its 12.3 MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture, known for excellent low-light performance and the innovative HDR+ processing, which was considered class-leading at the time.